Civil society organisations (CSOs) have fiercely rejected claims that they funded recent protests in Kenya, which have resulted in 50 deaths.
Among the 44 groups refuting these allegations are the Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International Kenya, and Human Rights Watch. These organisations assert that the accusations are unfounded and undermine their crucial work in society.
The organisations, which also include Article 19 Eastern Africa, Christian Aid International Kenya, and the Federation for Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA Kenya), stated, "We unequivocally condemn any unlawful acts during protests. The allegations that CSOs are complicit in promoting illegal activities are false and undermine the invaluable work they do to strengthen our society and are aimed at tarnishing the perception of CSOs to the citizenry we serve."
The strongly worded letter, dated Saturday, July 20, and signed by Kenya Human Rights Commission and Mzalendo Trust among others, categorically repudiates the accusations. The letter highlighted the groups' concern over a recent government letter suggesting that civil society organisations support unlawful behaviour and unruly protests, which contradicts their mission.
The government's scrutiny has intensified towards the Ford Foundation, which is accused of funding the unrest. On Friday, the government requested detailed information from the Ford Foundation regarding the disbursement of approximately Ksh194 million to 16 grant recipients.
The letter, sent on July 18 by Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Abraham Korir Singoei, demands a comprehensive account of how the funds were utilised.
Singoei called for immediate clarification from the Ford Foundation, including a breakdown of approved programmes, budgets for each project, and future disbursements over the past year.
The US-based Ford Foundation has refuted these allegations, emphasising its charitable presence in Kenya.
In response, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker confirmed receiving the government’s letter and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to transparency. Walker pointed to the foundation’s website, which details its operations and financial activities in Kenya.
Walker stated, "While we continue to acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, we repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community."
Civil society groups have also defended their role in addressing the needs of Kenyans affected by the crisis. They provide legal aid, medical assistance, and psychosocial support to those impacted by the protests. These actions, they argue, should not be misconstrued as support for lawlessness and violence.
The groups added, "CSOs have been instrumental in Kenya’s development and play a pivotal role in protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, promoting good governance and fostering social and economic progress."
Furthermore, the organisations criticised the suggestion that young people, particularly Generation Z, are being funded to participate in protests. They emphasised the genuine contributions of young Kenyans to the country's development, advocating for positive change and the importance of respecting their voices.
"The suggestion that young people are being funded to speak up and use their voices devalues their genuine contributions to Kenya’s development. Young Kenyans have shown remarkable dedication and initiative in advocating for positive change. Their voices are not just essential but inspiring in shaping the future of our nation, and they deserve to be heard and respected," the groups stated.
